Good morning Mets fans! Some rumors continued to swirl yesterday, but no Major League signings occurred.

Latest Mets news

In his post for The Athletic, Jim Bowden expresses his doubt that the Mets will be finalists for both Jay Bruce and Lorenzo Cain, but he expects the team to sign at least one significant free agent. (Jose Reyes, anyone?)

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports that Maikel Franco was suspended by his Winter League team, the Cibao Giants. Photographs were later released showing him partying at 6 a.m., despite having a game later that day. However, the suspension was later rescinded by the team.

Kevin Frandsen announced on Twitter that he will be announcing some road games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018.

Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports reports that Nationals broadcaster, Ray Knight, had assault charges dropped against him yesterday. He was accused of fighting a 33-year-old two months ago, but they reached a settlement before trial.

Latest News From Around MLB

Yesterday, we learned about the tragic passing of Derby, the bat-dog for the Trenton Thunder for the past seven years. In his honor, the Trenton Thunder will celebrate Derby Day on January 26th, which would have been his 10th birthday.

Astros owner, Jim Crane, disclosed in an interview that the Astros are pursuing a top-of-the-line starter. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports,Gerrit Cole is their target and one name that has popped up in talks is outfielder Derek Fisher.

Gordon, 29, hit .308/.341/.375 with 20 doubles, nine triples, two home runs and below league average 92 wRC+ for the Marlins in 2017. He also stole a league leading 60 bases while getting caught a league leading 16 times.

The left-handed hitting speedster posted a 3.8 WAR in 2017 after a poor 0.8 WAR during the 2016 season that included a steroid suspension.

Gordon has three years, $37.9 million left on his contract that also includes a $14 million team option for 2021 with a $1 million buyout. The Mariners have agreed to take on the entirely of Gordon’s contract.

The Mariners of course already have Robinson Cano at second base so they’re expected to use Gordon in center field according to Jim Bowden of SiriusXM.

According to Ken Rosenthal on Twitterfirst, the Rockies have acquired outfielder Ian Desmond. According to Rosenthal, he will be playing some first base for them as well.

The deal is for five years according to Joel Sherman, and according to Jon Heyman it is worth $70 million. Plus, according to Jim Bowden, there is an option for a 6th year worth $13 million.

The Rockies will be giving up their 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, the highest unprotected pick.

In 2016, Desmond, 31, played left and center field for the Rangers, hitting .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs, making his second All Star team.

In his career, Desmond has hit .379/.406/.611 with three home runs and 18 RBIs at Coors Field.

]]>https://metsmerizedonline.com/2016/12/colorado-rockies-sign-outfielder-ian-desmond.html/feed/0Mets Showing Interest In Cuban SS Alfredo Rodriguezhttps://metsmerizedonline.com/2015/05/mets-showing-interest-in-cuban-ss-alfredo-rodriguez.html/
https://metsmerizedonline.com/2015/05/mets-showing-interest-in-cuban-ss-alfredo-rodriguez.html/#respondThu, 28 May 2015 20:30:46 +0000http://metsmerizedonline.com/?p=182905[...]]]>According to Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio the Mets and Padres are expected to lead the way in the bidding for Cuban SS Alfredo Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is 21 years old and recently left Cuba with the intent of pursuing a contract in MLB. Rodriguez hit .265/.301/.284 in 304 plate appearances in the Serie Nacional last year earning him Rookie of the Year and the gold glove award while stealing 12 bases. In 84 games for La Isla De La Juventud he walked 11 times compared to 38 strikeouts.

He is around 5’10, 180 pounds and according to Ben Badler of Baseball America, Rodriguez “has a long way to go as a hitter but was arguably the best defensive shortstop in Cuba. He’s an athletic, agile defender with smooth, fluid actions.”

In February OnCuba Magazine listed him as the 25th best prospect in Cuban baseball saying this ” He has limited power and seems to be a hitter with an average no higher than .270. But his glove and speed (7 SB) put it in this list. He needs many at-bats yet, but is an interesting player.”

Badler also said that given his current ability would probably slate into one of the Class A levels.

Rodriguez should be eligible to sign as part of the July 2nd period but he first has to establish a residency in a 3rd country.

Juan Lagares passed his physical and the New York Mets officially announced that they have agreed to terms on a contract that with run through 2019 with a club option for 2020.

“This is a place I want to be,” said Lagares. “The Mets signed me when I was 16. I’m really excited for this season and the future.”

Lagares, 27, earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award last year. Lagares finished second among major league outfielders with 28 defensive runs saved in 2014, despite playing 372.0 fewer innings than leader Jason Heyward, who had 32.

He had six assists, with three getting a runner at the plate. Lagares’ Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150) was 25.3, second among all major leaguers.

The 6-1, 215-pounder hit .281 (117-416) with 46 runs scored, 24 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 47 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 116 games last season.

Lagares established a franchise rookie record with 15 outfield assists in 2013 which was also the third-most in the majors. He was named to the Wilson NL Defensive Player of the Year team.

April 1

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, outfielder Juan Lagares and the Mets have agreed on a 4-year extension with a club option.

The deal is expected to be worth $23 million and covers all of Lagares’ arbitration years and one year of free agency.

Lagares is already signed for 2015, so this new deal starts in 2016 and runs through 2019 with a club option for 2020 worth $9.5 million according to Jeff Passan.

Bowden points out that Lagares is considered the best defensive center fielder in baseball, but has also made huge strides offensively this spring under new hitting coach Kevin Long.

Lagares, 26, earned his first Gold Glove in 2014, and has looked amazing at the plate this Spring, batting .345 with a 1.055 OPS in 60 plate appearance with six doubles, a triple and three home runs.

“I love the Mets,” Lagares said Wednesday. “That’s the team that gave me the opportunity when I was 16 years old. That’s the team that gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues. … This is where I want to be.”

“He’s going to be a really, really good player,” manager Terry Collins said, according to MLB.com. “We’ve said that from the time he got to the major leagues.”

“He’s a special player defensively. He’s working on every phase of the game daily. We’re very, very excited that he’s going to be our center fielder because he’s going to be a solid player, and he’s just going to get better and better.”

Lagares is MMO’s Breakout Player of the Year for 2015 and is a rising star in my opinion with many All Star appearances in his future.

For the better part of two months now, Sandy Alderson has been telling everyone about how impressed he is with Wilmer Flores and the prospect of him being the Mets everyday shortstop next season.

Last week, he said about Flores’ defense that it’s not a disqualifier.

“He did a nice job for us last year. Can he do that on a whole season basis? Offensively he got much better as time went on. I hope it works. I like Wilmer.”

“I think the issue has always been whether he can play defensively adequately or better,” Alderson said. “And a lot of us think he has the ability or the potential to do that.”

Two weeks ago at the GM Meetings. Sandy said Flores compared favorably to any shortstop that is currently available in free agency or trade.

“Wilmer at shortstop is one of those guys that doesn’t pass the eye test but if you start to look at his matrix a little bit you realize there’s maybe a little more there than we give him credit. And offensively there’s as much potential with him as probably anybody that’s available.”

One person who’s not buying any of this is Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio. Bowden has been regularly taking issue on air with Sandy Alderson’s comments on Flores and has called them “a big act,” “blowing smoke,” and a “very nice performance.”

Bowden says it’s all an attempt to gain some leverage because the truth is Sandy is monitoring the shortstop market very closely, is engaged almost daily with many teams regarding their available shortstops, and is even considering last straw options like Stephen Drew if nothing materializes by January.

A source told Andy Martino of the Daily News tweeted that “There’s absolutely nothing brewing on trade talks for Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon at the moment.”

Jon Heyman gives 5 reasons why the Mets will likely get stuck with Colon and the guaranteed contract they gave him for 2015.

1. He is 41 and will pitch at 42 next season (“At some point the end comes, and he’s going to be 42,” one AL scout pointed out);

2. While he has held up remarkably well he wouldn’t appear to be in tip-top shape (he’s listed as 283 pounds);

3. He is due to make $11 million next year;

4. The market is current flush with big names in their prime.

5. Among teams seen as having some interest, San Francisco already filled its rotation opening with Jake Peavy, while Seattle appears to be looking for the moment at the top-tier guys, including David Price, Jon Lester and Cole Hamels.

Colon, 41, pitched into the eighth inning Monday night and left the game to a standing ovation at Citi Field. In return, Colon applauded the fans as he disappeared into the dugout. He surrendered one run and lowered his ERA to 3.88 ERA for the season.

The veteran righthander sees and hears the rumors and says he is unfazed by them.

“I know there’s talk about it because it’s everywhere, but I don’t really pay attention to anything anyone is saying,” Colon said. “I’m happy here and would like to stay here, but it’s really not up to me.”

July 28

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that the San Francisco Giants acquired Jake Peavy from the Boston Red Sox on Saturday for a pair of minor league pitching prospects; Edwin Escobar and Heath Hembree.

The rumor mill was buzzing about a potential deal between the two teams over the last week or so. And on Friday FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Red Sox and Giants were in serious discussions.

This puts the kibosh on any chance the Mets had of trading Bartolo Colon to San Francisco, but there’s still quite a few suitors out there for the Mets to deal with.

The Mets are reportedly willing to pay some of Colon’s remaining $3.5 million salary this season, but are unwilling to pick up any of his $11 million due in 2015 when he turns 42. That makes Colon less attractive to teams as the Mets were the only ones willing to give him a guaranteed contract for two years.

The Mets have said they feel no pressure to move Colon and are content hanging onto him, but I’m not buying it. Are you?

July 22

Citing a source close to Bartolo Colon, ESPN Deportes is reporting that the San Francisco Giants have expressed interest in acquiring the 41-year-old right-hander.

Colon is scheduled to pitch Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. He is under contract for $9 million this season and $11 million in 2015.

Danny Knobler also heard the Mets are trying hard to move Colon. Sources have told ESPN New York that the Mets are receptive to trading Colon with the team considering itself deep at starting pitcher.

Jim Bowden of ESPN is hearing that Chris Owings will be the everyday shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Although it hasn’t been officially announced yet, Bowden reports they are going to start him over Didi Gregorius because of his bat.

As a result, Gregorius should now be a good trade piece for the D’Backs at some point this summer and Bowden expects Owings will be a Rookie of the Year candidate.

John Sickels profiled Owings a couple of months ago and said he was supposed to open 2013 at Double-A, but after a solid spring training, the D’Backs sent him to Triple-A Reno.

He responded with a .330/.359/.482 line, with 31 doubles, 12 homers, 22 walks, 99 strikeouts in 546 at-bats. He also set a career high with 20 stolen bases, and was named to the All Star Futures Game roster.

The 21-year old phenom was named the Topps 2013 Pacific Coast League Player of the Year.

There has been a some buzz about the Mets monitoring the shortstop situation in Arizona in the past two weeks, but neither team has confirmed any interest in making a deal.

Sandy Alderson continues to hold firm on his position that there will not be any changes at shortstop between now and opening day. Additionally, two other team sources told the NY Post that despite his spring performance, Ruben Tejada will be the shortstop and “he’ll be fine.”

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Mets offered free agent Stephen Drew a a one-year, $9.5 million dollar deal that they had to know would be turned down.

The Mets suggested a salary close to the range of the $9.5 million Drew made last year, an unusual no-raise try that had little chance. It’s no wonder then that GM Sandy Alderson has termed a Drew signing “unlikely,” but the Mets would appear to have about the greatest need.

Not only have they been dissatisfied at many points with current starter Ruben Tejada, they don’t have any obvious shortstop answers in the minors. Another plus: they wouldn’t lose a first-round pick since theirs is protected as one of the bottom 10 finishers last year.

Well, if this is true, the Mets can now say that at least they tried. But seriously, that was as low-ball an offer as you could get.

According to most reports, Drew is looking for a 2-3 year contract for at least a $12 million average. The front office had to know that…

That offer by the Mets seemed like a total waste of time and it is not indicative of them ever having any real interest in signing Drew in the first place.

As Anthony DiComo of MLB.com wrote, the front office is not sold on Drew’s ability to produce at a significantly higher level than that of incumbent Ruben Tejada.

“There’s no guarantee Drew’s going to be as good as he was last season and the Mets don’t think Ruben’s going to be that bad,” a team source told him.

The Mets quickly denied that they made any offer to Stephen Drew as WFAN’s Mike Francesa inaccurately reported this afternoon on the air. Kristie Ackert of the Daily News confirmed the news from the Mets.

According to Francesa, the shortstop and the club are negotiating the length of the deal.

“It’s number of years, they’ve already made him an offer,” Francesa said. “It’s the number of years. They’re fighting over the number of years. I know they have made him an offer … It’s not the money. It doesn’t matter if they did a refinance or not. They already offered him the money. It’s a questions of years. They already made him an offer.

“The plan is to keep them this year and next year. And my plan is to always keep them,” Monfort told The Denver Post.

“Is that the smartest thing in the world to do? I don’t know. But for our fans I think it’s the best thing to do.”

Despite having missed a month because of a rib injury, Tulowitzki put up elite numbers for a shortstop, batting .315 with 81 RBIs and 25 home runs.

The irony here is that even if Tulo was available, which he is clearly not, the Mets don’t have what it takes to get him… Or let me rephrase that, the Mets wouldn’t part with what it would take to get him.

Hopefully, the fine folks at ESPN wont sue me for sharing some of their top secret writings on ESPN Insider, but I came across an interesting article by Jim Bowden who takes a look at ten managers who are at the end of their contracts. Obviously, I was curious to see his thoughts on Terry Collins, but then I thought I’d share what he had to say about Ron Gardenhire as well.

Terry Collins

Collins deserves great credit under excruciating circumstances throughout his tenure with the Mets. He has done an incredible job the last couple of years with a lineup that at times resembled a Triple-A lineup (outside of David Wright) and a bullpen that was loaded with holes.

His work developing a young starting rotation has been one of the best in baseball. The challenge of working with a demanding front office and a hounding New York media has been handled with class, dignity and a respect for the chain of command. His ability to communicate and motivate his players in a loyal manner has been commendable. He deserves an extension and the right to stay on as manager when the Mets will contend in the next two or three years.

Ron Gardenhire

Whenever the Twins don’t have a competitive team, fans and the media clamor for Gardenhire to be fired. I have no idea why.

He’s one of the best fundamental managers in baseball. He runs a game as well as any manager in the business. But when your starting pitching stinks, so does the manager. It goes with the territory. One cannot evaluate Gardenhire until the Twins’ front office can provide him with a competitive starting rotation. General manager Terry Ryan knows this, and also knows Gardenhire has proven when the Twins are good enough he’ll win with them. The only question is whether Gardenire is tired of the losing and prefers to retire. The answer is no.

I find it difficult to believe that the Twins won’t re-sign Gardy at the end of the season, but last month Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune spoke to the Twins owner about Ron Gardenhire’s job security and wrote:

Meanwhile, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is without a contract after this year. Pohlad said Gardenhire’s status will be evaluated after the season. Is there any reason he won’t be back?

“Well, that’s Terry’s decision, but he’ll consult with all of us,” said Pohlad, who added that nothing has been decided.

It was interesting that Pohlad made it clear Ryan will be around in the future but refused to say the same about Gardenhire.

Reading that, you have to think their is some validity to the uncertainty regarding Gardenhire’s job security. And with the fans up in arms over in Minny, maybe he will indeed be a managerial free agent come this Winter.

Honestly, I wouldn’t even think twice about bringing Gardenhire back to Flushing if he becomes available. I don’t care what the fans in Minnesota think of him now, he’s always ranked among the elite managers of the game in my book. I believe he’s one of the most brilliant strategists in the game and I love his style. What a most welcomed change that would be for the Mets – adding a true in-game strategist…

Managing mostly with a mid-market payroll, he’s posted a 993-923 (.517) record in 12 seasons at the Twins’ helm and has finished in first place six times, also winning Manager of the Year in 2010 while finishing second five other times.

Should the Mets automatically re-sign Terry Collins at the end of the season, or should they interview a couple of candidates first beginning with Gardenhire?

On Wednesday I was driving home and was listening to Matt Holliday who was a guest on SiriusXM MLB Network Radio, with Casey Stern and Jim Boweden. Holliday was discussing the issue of PED use in baseball, and gave his thoughts about increasing the penalties for players who are caught using.

Here were Holliday’s suggestion.

First positive test:162 game suspension (one full season), without pay.

Give players the ability to apply for reinstatement after two years of second positive test result.

After hearing this it got me to wondering if this idea of his is too harsh or is it just right?

Is there really a penalty that is too harsh, especially for getting busted a second time?

Afterward, hosts Casey Stern and Jim Bowden had a lively and substantive discussion about MLB dishing out lifetime bans. Both agreed that a lifetime ban after a first time offense was not logical, arguing that sometimes you can have a false positive and you could end up banning someone who was innocent.

It’s certainly a great topic for discussion and debate.

I personally love the idea that Matt Holliday brought to the table, and I think that it would go a long way to really putting fear into the players who are still using.

I also agree with Stern and Bowden regarding their take on lifetime bans after first time users are caught. Major League Baseball has to be careful how they handle this, but an increase in penalties seems more likely as more players continue to test positive and disregard MLB’s policy on banned substances. It’s time for some penalties with some teeth.

What are your thoughts, was Matt Holliday’s idea too harsh or just right?

The Dodgers and Zack Greinke have agreed to a six-year, $147 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The deal is pending a physical.

Greinke, 29, went 15-5 last season for the Brewers and Angels with a 3.48 ERA in 34 starts.

If you’ve already had your fill of R.A. Dickey rumors, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

Bloggers who know a lot more than I do say that teams are going to get desperate now and cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.

We’ll see…

Original Post 9:00 AM

Jim Bowden of ESPN tweeted that free agent starter Zack Greinke was “blown away” by the offer from Nolan Ryan and the Rangers Front Office.

Greinke said he loves the Rangers roster and their minor league prospects, and is turned on by their chances to win a World Series.

Meanwhile it looks like both the Dodgers and Angels are retreating from the chase to sign Greinke.

According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Greinke talks have reached a “critical stage” and the Dodgers are now considering bowing out and moving on to other pursuits. Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti offered a pessimistic response when asked whether the club was close to signing Greinke.

“We’re not on the front lawn.We’re barely out of the car at the curb. It’s better than driving around the neighborhood looking for the house. We know where the house is located. We just can’t seem to get out of the car.”

Bowden also adds that according to a source there will be no last minute strike by the Angels to land Greinke like they did last year for Pujols. VERY UNLIKELY, is how he puts it.

Once Greinke signs and is off the market, it is expected to usher in a phase of depravity and desperation unlike anything we’ve ever seen before in prior offseasons.

It is exactly what Sandy Alderson has been waiting for as he dangles R.A. Dickey in front of a pack of ravenous and voracious wild dogs who all hunger for the taste of his flesh.

At least that’s what some fans and bloggers think.

“I think I see a knuckleballer all alone and in distress.” “What’s a knuckleballer?”
]]>https://metsmerizedonline.com/2012/12/zack-greinke-agrees-to-6-year-147m-deal-with-dodgers.html/feed/0Reyes and Marlins Talking Now, Could Announce Six-Year, $111 Million Deal Tonighthttps://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/12/reyes-and-marlins-talking-now-could-announce-six-year-111-million-deal-tonight.html/
https://metsmerizedonline.com/2011/12/reyes-and-marlins-talking-now-could-announce-six-year-111-million-deal-tonight.html/#respondMon, 05 Dec 2011 02:09:11 +0000http://metsmerizedonline.com/?p=66659[...]]]>According to Ken Rosenthal moments ago on MLB Network, Jose Reyes and the Marlins could announce an agreement to a six, year, $100 Million dollar deal tonight.

If that happens, that would mean Jose Reyes will have played his last game as a Met without never having received one offer from them. I think that might tick fans off more than the fact that he’s as good as gone.

We’ll update you right after the 10:30 PM press conference.

Original Post 7:00 PM

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, reported that the Marlins have offered Jose Reyes a six-year, $111 million contract. Rojas says the Marlins would pay Reyes $106 million over six seasons with a $22 milllon option for a seventh year or a $5 million buyout.

Adam Rubin adds that the Mets will not compete with an offer of that caliber, meaning get ready for Ruben Tejada at shortstop in Flushing in 2012.

Jon Heyman has confirmed…

Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post first reported that the Marlins are pushing hard to sign Jose Reyes this weekend. Marlins president Larry Beinfest told reporters, “It’s hard to say,” he replied when asked about the chances the team could sign at least two players before the winter meetings start Monday. “We’ve been active. We’ve been trying to do some things since the season ended. It’s always hard to put down a timetable.”

Jim Bowden of ESPN also reported the Marlins are going very hard for Reyes. “Marlins putting an all-out press on Reyes hoping for an agreement prior to Dallas…but don’t count out Mets…Reyes is the FA on the clock,” he says. Bowden has some advice for Reyes which is if the Marlins go 6/100 this weekend, don’t hesitate, take it.

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, points out that if Reyes signs with the Marlins, the Mets would only receive Florida’s third round pick as compensation. The Marlins’ first round pick is protected, and their second rounder is technically going to the Padres since Heath Bell is a higher ranked free agent than Reyes.